Oct. 26—As an employee-owned business it's probably not a surprise that Aircraft Precision Products Inc. in Ithaca has a roster filled with workers who have been there for 20 or even 30 years.

However, since the company, which was founded in 1946, moved to its current location in 1972 there have been two constants, the building and Doug Farr.

The 68-year-old Alma native started work at the plant shortly after it opened and has never left.

In fact, Farr has never even missed a day of work due to illness.

"I've never called in sick," he said as he celebrated 50 years of employment earlier this week with the company that supplies components to the commercial and military aircraft engine industries.

After Farr graduated from Alma High School in 1972 he went to work for a local sugar beet farmer. That lasted three weeks because he never got paid.

In the meantime he had an interview with the new company that had just recently opened its doors in Ithaca.

"They were paving the parking lot when I had my interview," Farr said.

That interview was conducted by William Henderson, the company founder and grandfather of current president Bill Henderson III.

Farr has now worked for three generations of the family.

"Doug's 50 year anniversary is by itself an accomplishment," Bill Henderson III said.

"More important, though, is the work ethic he has brought to the company over the years, which includes a spotless attendance record,

"Doug is always the model for efficiency and productivity wherever he works. People ask how a company that supplies high end aircraft engine parts can exist in a rural area. The answer is employees like Doug."

That dedication is shown when Farr utters his now well known answer when asked to work on Saturday or Sunday, "It's just another day,"

During his five decades at APP, Farr has operated manual and CNC lathes, and since 2006 worked in the grinding department.

This is a big year for the number "50" in Farr's life. To commemorate a half-century of employment with the same company and his 50th high school class reunion, he decided to visit the 50th state, Hawaii.

And for a man who has helped build aircraft parts for five decades it's somewhat ironic that it will be Farr's first time ever on an airplane.

However, unless he changes his mind after enjoying too many Mai Tais, hula dances and luaus during his trip to the Islands, Farr has no plans to retire.

In fact his co-workers can hear him now upon his return, "It's just another day."

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